Ok, I’ve never been squirmish about wildlife. Not reptiles, arachnids, or anything of the sort. Until now. Actually, I’m really not sure what to make of it anymore. You see, the wildlife here in Australia is completely different than anywhere else I’ve ever been. I’d venture to say that it all kinda “creeps up on ya”, but really, it’s been here the entire time, and it’s all easier to see coming. The lizards? They’re bigger here. How about the frogs? Bigger still. Snakes? Yep, huge. Even the ants, crickets, grasshoppers, and spiders are bigger here. Around three of four times the size. You think I’m joking? Come see it for yourself.

What’s funny (in a nervous laugh kind of way), is that a lot of it can kill you.

Seriously.

Australia, in all its beauty, is a rough and ready continent. Australia possesses more species of venomous snakes than any country on earth. (by the way, ALL snakes in the sate of Tasmania are poisonous). The “champion” of all poisonous snake in Australia, and also the world, is the Taipan snake which is considered 50 times more venomous than the cobra. In fact, Australia has six of the top ten most venomous snakes in the world. Of course, Aussies are quite proud of that. Pretty sure it makes them feel tough. I thought that is what rugby was for.

Spiders are far more common to tread across than snakes. As with snakes, spiders rank amongst the most dangerous. THE most dangerous spider in the world is the “Sydney Funnel Web Spider”. Appropriately named, this spider resides only the Sydney area. Woohoo, so glad I’m living in this locale. If you’re not visiting Sydney, or making the move here, you’ve got one less thing to worry about. If you are, you really have nothing to worry about, unless you’re completely careless about where you stick your hand at night. The far more common “Redback Spider” is the culprit of the majority of spider bites in Australia. For you Americans, this gal looks a lot like a Black Widow Spider, just three times as dangerous. Of those bitten, the majority are to the blokes, spending entirely too much time in the outhouse. I have come across this spider myself, in the organics bin while mowing the lawn. She’s a creepy looking creature, but was no match for my large wooden plank. Stefan 1, Spider 0.

I’ve had enough of these spiders and snakes. Let’s head for the river. Nope, never mind. Crocodiles there. The beach it is.

Good idea, but it’s not much better there. Great White Sharks, Blue Bottle Jellyfish, the Box Jellyfish, the Stone Fish, and so many others. We’re all familiar with the Great White Shark, but what is a Blue Bottle, a Box Jellyfish, and a Stone Fish?

The Blue Bottle jellyfish, or commonly referred to as the “Portuguese Man O’ War”, is actually a siphonophore—a colony of specialized polyps. That’s all well and good, and interesting to the scientific community, but when it stings, it stings like a jellyfish, and hurts. A lot. Bluebottles have a float or bottle-shaped blue sac, which sits on the water’s surface. They have many string-like tentacles hanging down from the float. Usually, you can see them in the water, or there are signs alerting you to their presence.

The sting from the tentacles is dangerous to humans. These stings usually cause excruciating pain, and have even been the cause of several deaths. Detached tentacles and specimens which wash up on shore can sting just as painfully as the intact creature in the water for weeks after their detachment. Medical attention is usually necessary, especially in extreme cases.

The Box Jellyfish (also known as a Sea Wasp) is a very dangerous creature to inhabit Australian waters. The Jellyfish has extreme toxins present on its tentacles, which when in contact with a human, can stop cardio-respiratory functions in as little as three minutes. This jellyfish is responsible for more deaths in Australian than snakes, sharks and salt water crocodiles.

The creature has a square body and inhabits the north east areas of Australia. The tentacles may reach up to 80 cms in length. It is found along the coast of the Great Barrier Reef. They are arguably the most venomous creatures in the world. Stings from such species are excruciatingly painful, either initially or as an after-effect, and are often fatal. However not all species of Box Jellyfish are this dangerous to humans. Unfortunately, the ones along the coast of Australia, are. In the Australian summer from November to April or May, box jellyfish are abundant in the warm waters of northern Australia and drive away most swimmers. However, they generally disappear during the Australian Winter.

The Stonefish is another of Australia’s deadly marine creatures. They inhabit shallow waters along the coast. The stonefish is well camouflaged in the ocean, as it is a brownish colour, and often resembles a rock, hence “Stone Fish”. Ugly bloke, isn’t he?

It has thirteen sharp dorsal spines on its back, which each have extremely toxic venom. The venom of a stonefish can kill a human in two hours, if not properly treated. If you’re swimming in a rocky area of the shore, please don’t step on that rock that has a bunch of spines sticking out of it. It’s just not a good idea. Trust me on that one.

Have I scared you yet? If so, I’m sorry. There ARE a lot of dangerous animals in Australia, but it’s rare to come face to face with them if you use common sense. Don’t stick your hands where they don’t belong, watch where you step during your bush walks, and keep an eye out at the beach. If there are signs saying,” Hey you, don’t go in the water, stupid.”, then you probably shouldn’t throw on your swimsuit and jump in the water. Of course, accidents happen, but there are anti venoms for most venomous creatures in Australia. Don’t let these guys keep you from seeing this beautiful country.

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